Randy Ray Hollister
Monday, July 15, 1957
Date of Death:
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Age:
64 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday February 26, 2022
Time: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Celebration of Life and Memorial Service
Date: Saturday February 26, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Monday, July 15, 1957
Date of Death:
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Age:
64 years old
Monday, July 15, 1957
Date of Death:
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Age:
64 years old
Randy Ray Hollister
Randy Ray Hollister, 64, of Rochester, passed away January 25th, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital due to complications from covid.
Randy was born on July 15th, 1957, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1975. He then attended RCC for two years and finished his education, graduating with honors, from the Control Data Institute in the Twin Cities. During college, Randy was introduced to Kathy during the theatre production, Luv, where ironically, they began falling in love. On September 8th, 1979, he married his college sweetheart Kathy, and they were blessed with over 43 years of marriage. They had two children, a daughter, Kelley, and a son, Daniel. Randy was a dedicated employee at Rochester Mayo Clinic for 43+ years. He retired as a Senior Systems Analyst in Pulmonary Function on December 31st, 2021.
Randy was an Eagle Scout recipient in 1973 and later went on to be a Boy Scout troop leader. He especially enjoyed the Pinewood Derby races and camping trips. The Boundary Waters was his favorite camping place on earth as he loved nature. Randy also loved computers and technology; he was always creating gadgets and gizmos to make everyday life and tasks easier. He remained involved with theatre by doing lights, sound, and tech, for many programs and dessert theatre productions in Rochester. He loved watching movies, especially with lots of buttered popcorn. He was also an amazing handyman and loved teaching the arts of woodworking, soldering, plumbing, electrical, etc. He could fix anything! Randy had many hobbies and things he loved to do, but at the top of that list was helping his kids and grandkids, no matter what needed fixing, 24-hours a day. He loved making and launching model rockets, making model trains, photography, attending concerts and Broadway shows, and taking spontaneous road trips which often involved eating really good food. One of his favorite things to do was the many family trips to Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. Randy and Kathy started this tradition by honeymooning at Walt Disney World and continued that tradition with his family throughout the years. In 2013 they renewed their wedding vows under a Disney World gazebo with their family surrounding them. Randy taught Sunday school with his wife, and they were also involved for many years in a couple’s Bible study. Randy also participated in the bell choir and helped drive the church bus. He was active in many charities and loved helping people. Most importantly, Randy was a follower and believer in Christ Jesus, his Lord, and Savior.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, daughter, Kelley (Brian) Dempsey, son, Daniel (Morgan) Hollister, and two precious grandchildren, Josephine and Frederick, step-grandson, Hayden Dempsey, his sister Diane (Martin) Schmoll, mother-in-law, Patricia Lahey, as well as many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ferne Hollister, brother Jerry Hollister, sister Linda Hollister, and three angel babies in Heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with visitation from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. A private burial service for the family at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Condolences
The family of Randy Ray Hollister has received the following condolences.
Dear Kathy, and Randy's family and friends.
I will always have fond memories of Randy from Boy Scouts. Randy was one of the scouts who always looked out for the younger boys, the newcomers, and those who struggled to feel comfortable. He made time to get acquainted and to help people feel like they belonged.
"People don't always remember what you said or did, but they remember how you made them feel."
Randy always made people feel like they mattered, like it was good that they were there, like they were important.
He will be missed.
Dear Kathy and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you on the loss of Randy. I was shocked when I heard he was in the ICU and heartbroken when he started to decline.
I worked closely with Randy in the PF Lab for many years and considered him a friend, not just a coworker.
We sat through countless meetings together and survived more software upgrades than I care to remember. What I WILL always remember is how Randy would help anyone that asked, no matter how busy he was, and with a smile on his face. He saved me many times when I was hopelessly confused or needed a problem fixed.
Two of my favorite “Randyisms” were “I beg your pudding” and “Good morning ladies, women, goddesses.” His smile and sense of humor brought warmth to our days.
I hope that knowing how much people cared about Randy brings you some comfort. He will never be forgotten.
Peace and blessings to you all,
Cris Swantko
Kathy and family:
Randy was one of my best friends in high school. I knew him from choir and Theatre JM, and from church youth group at Zumbro. I have no words right now to express my heartache at his passing. He was the best and kindest of men. When I first met him, his friends were calling him "Poopsie". I never knew why he had that nickname, but I know he never got upset with anyone who called him that! :-) He was always ready with a laugh or smile. He was a friend through the good and bad times. He was always right there when you needed him.
It doesn't surprise me in the least to hear what an amazing husband and father he was to all of you. I know how much you all love him and always will. I feel the same way. He was a one in a million man and friend.
My heart reaches out to all of you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Randy is watching over all of us as a guardian angel now. My love to you all. Deb
Dear Kathy and family. We are so saddened by the news of Randy's passing. I worked with Randy for many years in the PF Lab. He was always such a gentle, helpful man. In all those years, I never saw him get angry about anything. You could feel the Spirit of the Lord shining through him. The obituary for Randy is so well written and he deserved such a wonderful tribute. I know you miss and will continue to miss him forever. Knowing he was a faithfilled man must bring you such comfort, since one day you will see him again. May his legacy continue through your children and grandchildren. God bless and keep you always. In deepest sympathy, Georgia and Bob Von Arx
Dear Kathy and family. We are so saddened by the news of Randy's passing. I worked with Randy for many years in the PF Lab. He was always such a gentle, helpful man. In all those years, I never saw him get angry about anything. You could feel the Spirit of the Lord shining through him. The obituary for Randy is so well written and he deserved such a wonderful tribute. I know you miss and will continue to miss him forever. Knowing he was a faithfilled man must bring you such comfort, since one day you will see him again. May his legacy continue through your children and grandchildren. God bless and keep you always. In deepest sympathy, Georgia and Bob Von Arx
Dear Hollister Family,
I was stunned and so saddened to learn of Randy's death last week. I met Randy during the years I was the consulting audiologist working adjunctively with the Pulmonary Function group on Mayo's Industrial Outreach Program (1990s-early 2000s). I know that all would agree that, to know Randy was to love Randy. His smile lit up his whole body and he gave it freely to all. He loved his family deeply and that too, was known by all. I last saw him during the summer of 2021 as we were both getting on the Gonda elevator. He saw me and said, in his characteristic up-beat manner, "Hey, Annie Bananie! How are ya doing?!" I still smile thinking about that interaction.
Heaven's hallways are more jovial, for sure.
Prayers for your peace are being said.
Ann
Dear Kathy and family,
Prayers to you. Sorry for you loss of Randy.
Cindy
I had the pleasure and honor or knowing Randy through my many years working in Pulmonary. He was exceptionally bright, crazy hard working and kind beyond measure. Upon a transfer to ENT I had the unexpected great fortune to meet Kelley his daughter who is an incredible version of her father. Randy was so kind and funny ( and a very scary driver) and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May God bless each and every one of you and help you find peace in the knowledge that Randy is in a better place where there is no sickness and no pain. Veronica